The Perfect Birthday Gift

©2010 JD Digi Designs

Today is my 38th Birthday. There are no big plans. There is nothing that I want for my birthday...except maybe a washing machine. Now white goods are not my kind of present. Not only do they tend to symbolise a mother's 'place' in the home but the selection of a white good is very personal. To me white goods need to be carefully selected and must suit their intended purpose for the person to whom they will belong. How many bread makers, juicers, bread knifes, etc have you seen at garage sales?

15 years ago I informed my husband-to-be that a happy marriage would involve thoughtful gifts, with meaning and under no circumstances, would white goods be accepted! I think the thinking behind it, is that I am more than my role at home and white goods symbolise housework. And I don't DO housework. I don't enjoy housework. I don't love housework. I do it because I HAVE to. I would rather play.

So why now? A washing machine? Well, friends, my washing machine has upped and died on me. Granted it is six years old, works under hard water conditions and probably should have had better maintenance (attention) paid to it (Who has the time?)! Granted it has washed daily for 32 months straight. But give a mother a break! On my birthday!



©2010 JD Digi Designs

 So I am getting a washing machine for my birthday. Yay.

What do I really want?

Time. Huh?!?

Time to just do what I want to do. Time to craft, or read, or bake something other than 'normal' food. Time to sleep-in or have a long soak in a bath. Time to think. Time to say hi to me. Time to contemplate, make plans or dream.

But most of all for my birthday I want time to just spend with my children without having to change a nappy or make snacks or leave the play to attend some other bit of family life. I want to roll around on the floor with them and giggle and play. I want to share my time with them. Just them. That would be the perfect present!